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Dynamic lysine acetylation and succinylation of platelet proteins regulates platelet storage lesion: mechanistic insights from multi-omics.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet storage lesion (PSL) severely impairs platelet function during storage, presenting a major hurdle in transfusion medicine; however, the dynamic interplay between global proteomic changes and post-translational modifications (PTMs) underlying these functional deteriorations remains insufficiently characterized. Here, we report the first comprehensive multi-omics analysis integrating global proteomics, acetylomics, and succinylomics to dissect the molecular dynamics during platelet storage. METHODS: We performed quantification of global proteomics, acetylome and succinylome based on TMT-labeled LC-MS/MS analysis, combined with antibody-affinity enrichment and purification. Dynamic molecular changes and functional transformation of platelet were also characterized under proper conditions stored for 1, 3, 5, 7 days, respectively. RESULTS: We systematically characterized 3,609 proteins, 1,308 acetylation sites, and 1,947 succinylation sites across multiple storage time points (D1, D3, D5, D7). We distinct temporal patterns of post-translational modifications, with succinylation showing more extensive coverage than acetylation in platelets. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed extensive metabolic reprogramming involving complement activation, energy metabolism, and cellular detoxification processes. The identification of specific motif patterns provided mechanistic insights into the functional specificity of these modifications. Random forest machine learning identified 20 core regulatory proteins representing critical nodes in PSL development. Furthermore, we employed real - time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT - QPCR) to measure the expression levels of key genes related to platelet function and PTM - associated pathways. CONCLUSION: By mapping the interplay between proteomic abundance shifts and PTM dynamics, this study provides a multidimensional understanding of PSL, establishing a foundational framework for optimizing storage protocols and enhancing transfusion safety.

Blood Platelets

Review of respirator performance testing in the workplace: issues and concerns.

Performance capability of respirators has traditionally been evaluated by testing components of the respirator (e.g., filter efficiency), facepiece fit, total inward leakage, or some other measure of performance evaluated under laboratory conditions. In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on development of test methods suitable for evaluating respirator performance in the workplace. The goal of such testing is to evaluate the level of protection provided by respirators in the work environment. The AIHA Respiratory Protection Committee believes that workplace testing of respirators has the potential to be an excellent tool for increasing knowledge about the effectiveness of respiratory protection. However, a number of technical issues remain to be addressed before optimal test protocols and data analysis methods can be defined. The progress made to date in workplace testing will be reviewed, and broader discussion about key elements that must be considered when developing guidelines for testing respirators in the workplace will be initiated.

Air Pollution, Indoor

Mutagenicity of azo dyes in the Salmonella/activation test.

The detection of certain bis-azo biphenyl dyes (Trypan blue, Evans blue and Congo red) by a modification of the standard Ames test protocol is reported. Detection of a mutagenic response required both the inclusion of FMN in S-9 mix and use of a static pre-incubation step prior to addition of top-agar and pouring in the usual manner. Evidence is presented to substantiate the proposal that use of this protocol provides optimal conditions for the two stages of activation required for the production of mutagenic metabolites from these dyes. These are (i) initial flavin-mediated (hepatic) azo reduction resulting in the formation of proximate mutagenic metabolites followed by (ii) the oxidative metabolism by S-9 resulting in the formation of ultimately mutagenic products.

Animals

Mouse cell clones for improved quantitation of carcinogen-induced altered differentiation.

Two new mouse epidermal cell lines have been isolated and characterized as target cells for three chemical carcinogens. The ability to grow these cells at low density (approximately 5 clonogenic cells/cm2) has permitted more precise quantitation of chemical carcinogen-induced changes in epidermal differentiation. The cell lines, designated 291 and 271c, retain the property previously observed in primary cultures of mouse epidermal cells, that is the regulation of terminal differentiation by extracellular Ca2+ ion. Altered response to extracellular Ca2+ after carcinogen treatment of these cells is the basis of the assay endpoint. Other normal properties demonstrated by these cells are keratin immunofluorescence patterns, ability to form cornified envelopes in response to Ca2+ and a lack of tumorigenicity. Both of the lines have high cloning efficiencies (up to 20%) and characteristic epidermal morphology. Their chromosome number, however, is near tetraploid. Dose response studies indicated an increase in colonies with altered response to Ca2+ proportional to the dose of three chemical carcinogens: DMBA 0.001-0.5 microgram/ml X 24 h, MCA 0.01-5 micrograms/ml X 24 h and MNNG 0.01-0.2 micrograms/ml X 1 h. The optimized assay protocol has provided a reproducible means of quantitating carcinogen-altered epidermal cells relative to carcinogen dose, and of isolating cell clones for studies of altered differentiation in carcinogenesis and chemotherapy.

Animals

Changes in membrane integrity, cytoskeletal structure, and developmental potential of murine oocytes after vitrification in ethylene glycol.

A systematic approach was taken to assess and optimize a protocol for intracellular vitrification by introducing high concentrations of the cryoprotectant agent (CPA) ethylene glycol (EG) into unfertilized murine oocytes. The effects of EG on membrane integrity, microfilament organization, and developmental potential were evaluated. During exposure to 0.5-2 M EG, oocytes showed maximum shrinkage to 55.5% of the isotonic volume within the first minute and reexpanded to their initial volume within 15 min. Transferral of oocytes to higher concentrations of EG (4-8 M EG) for 1-5 min after 15 min of equilibration at 2 M EG was tolerated well. Microfilament organization appeared normal after this equilibration period. During prolonged exposure (> 5 min) to high concentrations of EG (> 4 M), membrane blebs were noticed on the surface of the cells, and microfilament distribution was disturbed. After treatment with 6 M EG and vitrification with 6 M EG + f2p40.5 M sucrose, there were no significant differences in development to the two-cell and blastocyst stages between CPA-treated, vitrified, and control oocytes. These results indicate that EG is an effective CPA for mouse oocyte vitrification protocols without any observed compromise in morphology and developmental functions.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Variations in serum OKT3 concentration based upon age, sex, transplanted organ, treatment regimen, and anti-OKT3 antibody status.

An essential parameter of the efficacy of OKT3 therapy is serial determinations of serum OKT3 levels. We hypothesized that precise monitoring of these levels would optimize treatment protocols. Therefore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology was utilized to measure OKT3 serum concentrations daily during 263 OKT3 treatment courses in recipients of solid organ grafts. Patient characteristics were: mean age 33 years (0.1-71), 147 male/116 female, 134 kidney/82 liver/47 heart, 122 prophylaxis/141 rejection, and 213 conventional dosing/50 increased dosing. Mean OKT3 levels were higher in women than in men at all time points from day 1 to day 14, reaching the greatest difference between groups on day 7 (849 versus 598 ng/ml, p = 0.004). Patients receiving OKT3 as a component of a prophylactic protocol had higher levels than those receiving the drug for treatment of rejection from day 1 to day 6, with the greatest difference between groups occurring on day 1 (678 versus 333 ng/ml, p < 0.00001). However, from day 7 to day 14 patients receiving OKT3 prophylactically had lower mean OKT3 levels than did those receiving OKT3 for rejection, with the greatest difference between groups occurring on day 11 (555 versus 784 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Liver transplant recipients had significantly higher OKT3 levels than did kidney or heart transplants at all time points. However, more liver patients required increased OKT3 doses to modulate peripheral blood CD3+ cells to < 25/mm3. Kidney recipients had higher levels than did heart recipients. Children < 10 years of age had higher OKT3 levels than did older patients at all time points.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

Suppression of B cell immunity to DNP by serotherapy with monoclonal anti-DNP antibodies. Effect of the treatment schedule on the magnitude of specific suppression and its duration.

The effect of prior administration of anti-DNP (N-[2,4-dinitrophenyl]-B-alanylglycylglycine) monoclonal antibodies on the humoral immune response of BALB/c mice was examined. One-time administration of a "cocktail" of two anti-DNP monoclonals resulted in suppression of the IgM anti-DNP response for one week after challenge but not longer. Maximal suppression of anti-DNP IgM plaque-forming cells was achieved by administration of antibody 1-2 weeks before challenge with DNP. Maximal suppression of serum IgM antibody was seen by administration of antibody 2-3 weeks before challenge with antigen. Following one-time administration of suppressive monoclonal antibody, the serum IgG antibody response to DNP was suppressed beginning 2 weeks after immunization and remained so for up to 241 days despite continual booster injections of antigen. Although most effective suppression of the humoral anti-DNP response was seen in animals receiving their single dose of suppressive antibody 2 weeks before first exposure to antigen, suppression of the IgG response was evident at all intervals examined up to 232 days in mice given monoclonal antibody between 0.1 day and 30 days before antigen, but not at earlier times. These findings suggest that regulatory networks, rather than the masking of antigenic determinants by passively administered antibody, play a role in antibody-mediated immunoregulation. They may be of use in designing strategies for optimizing immunosuppression protocols in clinical studies.

Animals

Epilepsy surgery in adults.

Epilepsy surgery is capable of stopping seizures or markedly reducing their frequency in selected patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Presurgical evaluation, as currently practiced, requires concordance among a battery of localizing tests. Cost-effectiveness is increasingly important in the development of optimal presurgical protocols and surgical procedures in specific patient populations.

Adult

Chromosomal targeting of replicating plasmids in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha.

Using an optimized transformation protocol we have studied the possible interactions between transforming plasmid DNA and the Hansenula polymorpha genome. Plasmids consisting only of a pBR322 replicon, an antibiotic resistance marker for Escherichia coli and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae LEU2 gene were shown to replicate autonomously in the yeast at an approximate copy number of 6 (copies per genome equivalent). This autonomous behaviour is probably due to an H. polymorpha replicon-like sequence present on the S. cerevisiae LEU2 gene fragment. Plasmids replicated as multimers consisting of monomers connected in a head-to-tail configuration. Two out of nine transformants analysed appeared to contain plasmid multimers in which one of the monomers contained a deletion. Plasmids containing internal or flanking regions of the genomic alcohol oxidase gene were shown to integrate by homologous single or double cross-over recombination. Both single- and multi-copy (two or three) tandem integrations were observed. Targeted integration occurred in 1-22% of the cases and was only observed with plasmids linearized within the genomic sequences, indicating that homologous linear ends are recombinogenic in H. polymorpha. In the cases in which no targeted integration occurred, double-strand breaks were efficiently repaired in a homology-independent way. Repair of double-strand breaks was precise in 50-68% of the cases. Linearization within homologous as well as nonhomologous plasmid regions stimulated transformation frequencies up to 15-fold.

DNA Repair

Systematic Optimization Enables Near-Perfect In Vitro Transformation Efficiencies for Spirodela polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed).

The in vitro transformation of plants, or the delivery of foreign genetic material that is incorporated into their genomes, represents a powerful tool both for elucidating genotype-phenotype relationships and for generating plant cultivars which have desirable traits for agriculture and/or biotechnological applications. However, outside of a few model species, the processes involved in transformation are often inefficient and can take months to perform for many plant species, with several bottlenecks occurring at the different stages of calli induction, genetic transfection, and plant regeneration. While duckweeds - aquatic monocots whose species include some of the smallest and fastest-growing flowering plants on the planet - have distinguished themselves with several emerging biotechnological applications, they too are the subject of conflicting reports regarding their transformation potential and ability to be genetically manipulated. Here, we synthesized and optimized the protocols for in vitro transformation of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed) from start-to-finish: achieving >90% - 100% efficiencies for each of calli induction; transient and stable genetic transformation; visual marker-free selection of transformants; and regeneration of genetically modified plants with stable transgene expression for over 100 generations - and which in S. polyrhiza can be achieved over the course of weeks instead of months. The integrated, streamlined approaches for all stages of in vitro transformation overcome many bottlenecks and can help to pave the way for high-throughput functional genomics studies and synthetic biology applications in this biotechnologically-important species.

CRISPR/Cas9

Backscattered electron imaging of the undersurface of resin-embedded cells by field-emission scanning electron microscopy.

In this study backscattered electron (BSE) imaging was used to display cellular structures stained with heavy metals within an unstained resin by atomic number contrast in successively deeper layers. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts were cultured on either 13-mm discs of plastic Thermanox, commercially pure titanium or steel. The cells were fixed, stained and embedded in resin and the disc removed. The resin block containing the cells was sputter coated and examined in a field-emission scanning electron microscope. The technique allowed for the direct visualization of the cell undersurface and immediately overlying areas of cytoplasm through the surrounding embedding resin, with good resolution and contrast to a significant depth of about 2 microm, without the requirement for cutting sections. The fixation protocol was optimized in order to increase heavy metal staining for maximal backscattered electron production. The operation of the microscope was optimized to maximize the number of backscattered electrons produced and to minimize the spot size. BSE images were collected over a wide range of accelerating voltages (keV), from low values to high values to give 'sections' of information from increasing depths within the sample. At 3-4 keV only structures a very short distance into the material were observed, essentially the areas of cell attachment to the removed substrate. At higher accelerating voltages information on cell morphology, including in particular stress fibres and cell nuclei, where heavy metals were intensely bound became more evident. The technique allowed stepwise 'sectional' information to be acquired. The technique should be useful for studies on cell morphology, cycle and adhesion with greater resolution than can be obtained with any light-microscope-based system.

3T3 Cells

Experimental studies of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) and cis-diammine-1, 1-cyclobutandicarboxylate platinum (II) combination therapy for malignant gynecologic tumors.

A comparative exploration of the optimum regimens for CDDP and CBDCA therapy of malignant gynecologic tumors was conducted using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro, CBDCA exerted less cytotoxicity with short-time exposure, but over a longer time was as effective as CDDP. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated rapid binding of all administered CDDP to protein, while free-Pt was seen for many hours after CBDCA treatment. These results suggest that the gradual action of CBDCA leads to the appearance of cytotoxicity, and that in clinical use CBDCA affects the tumor cells for a long time. To increase the active dose of platinum, treatment with high doses of CDDP, or CBDCA, or the two platinum compounds with different pharmacokinetic behavior in combination, was designed for optimal therapeutic protocols. In the CDDP-alone treatment animals, renal toxicity was apparent with the increase in dose level. However, in the combination CDDP-and-CBDCA treatment animals, the total dose level could be elevated without causing toxicity. In the drug-sensitivity test, the combination therapy also exerted strong activity. The fact that the combined CDDP-and-CBDCA therapy appears to exert greater anti-tumor effects without any increment in adverse toxicity of these drugs is clinically promising.

Adenocarcinoma

Ligaments of the lateral aspect of the ankle and sinus tarsi: an MR imaging study.

The normal anatomy of the lateral ankle and subtalar ligaments seen at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was studied in four cadaver ankles. Sixteen ankles of 11 healthy volunteers were imaged with four different MR imaging protocols to optimize technique. The anterior talofibular ligament was identified in 100% of the ankles of the volunteers in the axial plane, the calcaneofibular ligament in 81% of the ankles in the coronal plane, the cervical ligament in 69% of the ankles in the coronal plane and in 88% of the ankles in the sagittal plane, and the talocalcaneal ligament in 56% of the ankles in the coronal plane and in 62% of the ankles in the sagittal plane. It is concluded that thin-section (1-3-mm) MR imaging techniques, especially the one in which data are acquired with three-dimensional Fourier transform, are best for visualization of the ligaments. These techniques may play a role in the evaluation of patients with chronic ankle pain and instability.

Adult

Lymphocytes bearing both T and B markers in lymphoproliferative disorders.

The appearance of dual-marked (D) lymphocytes, i.e. lymphocytes having both T and B markers, was investigated in patients with acute (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) as well as with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). E-rosette and immunobead-rosette techniques were combined and simultaneously administered, and the combination was found to be simple, fast and reproducible. D cells could be detected also in normal peripheral blood, however, only in a low percentage. In the blood of 4 patients suffering from ALL, in 2 with CLL and in 1 with NHL the number of D cells were increased significantly. In ALL the relative number of these cells decreased during remission and increased in relapses; thus the determination of the relative frequency of D cells might have prognostic value and could be useful in the choice of an optimal therapeutic protocol.

Adult

Oxytocin pharmacodynamics: effect of long infusions on uterine activity.

Despite common use in obstetrics for almost 50 years, there is still disagreement concerning optimal clinical protocols for the use of oxytocin. This disagreement arises in part from inadequate data on oxytocin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This report evaluates the uterine response to fixed doses of oxytocin (1-3 mIU/min) over long infusion times (up to 120 min) in 10 patients with secondary arrest of dilatation. The uterine activity increased from 132 +/- 61 Alexandria units during the control period to 199 +/- 64 Alexandria units at an infusion rate of 1 mIU/min. Increasing the infusion rate to 2 mIU/min increased the uterine activity to 240 +/- 64 Alexandria units. The uterine activity increased until a steady state was achieved between 40 and 70 min after the initiation of infusion. Continuing the infusion at a fixed rate for more than 90 min appears to result in a decreasing uterine activity. Patients requiring oxytocin for augmentation of labor developed adequate uterine activity with dose rates of 1-3 mIU/min. Clinical protocols for oxytocin augmentation with an interval of 40-60 min between increases in the dosing seem reasonable based on these pharmacodynamic data.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

A method of human semen centrifugation to minimize the iatrogenic sperm injuries caused by reactive oxygen species.

Current techniques of sperm preparation for in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination require centrifugation of human semen to separate spermatozoa from the seminal plasma. Centrifugation increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in semen. Moreover, high levels of ROS are associated with sperm membrane injury through spontaneous lipid peroxidation, which may alter sperm function. We investigated the relationship between centrifugation variables (time and g-force) and ROS production to establish an optimal centrifugation protocol for sperm preparation techniques. Semen from 38 men (24 patients and 14 normal volunteers) was evaluated for the formation of ROS before centrifugation and after centrifugation at 200 g for 2 or 10 min and after 500 g for 2 or 10 min. The absence of white blood cells in semen which can also produce ROS was determined with the myeloperoxidase technique (Endtz test). All specimens were negative (< 1 x 10(6)/ml) by the Endtz test. The formation of ROS was measured by chemiluminescence. ROS formation was regarded as high (positive) when the chemiluminescence response was at least 10 x 10(4) counted photons/min (cpm). The sperm concentration in each sample was adjusted to 15-20 x 10(6) cells/ml before analysis. Eight specimens (7 patients and 1 donor) exhibited high levels of ROS before centrifugation. All 8 showed further, significant increases in ROS formation regardless of g-force or time. The increase in ROS was significantly less when semen was centrifuged for 2 as compared to 10 min (p < 0.001). Six specimens previously ROS-negative became ROS-positive after centrifugation for 10 min at 200 and 500g. We conclude that the time of centrifugation is more important than g-force for inducing ROS formation in semen. Based on these results, we recommend a shorter centrifugation period in the preparation of sperm for assisted reproductive techniques.

Centrifugation

Prejunctional angiotensin II receptors. Facilitation of norepinephrine release in the human forearm.

To determine if peripheral angiotensin II (Ang II) prejunctional receptors facilitating NE release exist in humans, we used [3H]NE kinetic methodology to measure forearm NE spillover during intrabrachial arterial Ang II infusions in eight normal male subjects. We used the following protocol to optimize conditions for demonstrating these receptors: (a) lower body negative pressure (-15 mmHg) to increase sympathetic nerve activity to skeletal muscle; and (b) intraarterial nitroprusside to maintain a high constant forearm blood flow (approximately 10 ml/min.100 ml) to maximize the proportion of neuronally released NE that spills over into the circulation. During lower body negative pressure, the following were infused intraarterially for three consecutive 20-min periods: saline, Ang II (4 ng/min), and Ang II (16 ng/min). During the Ang II infusions, forearm venous NE increased significantly from 173 to 189 and 224 pg/ml (P < 0.01), and forearm NE spillover increased from 384 to 439 and 560 ng/min.100 ml (P < 0.05 for high Ang II). Forearm NE clearance was unchanged. During low and high dose Ang II, the plasma venous Ang II concentrations were 25 and 97 pM, respectively. Since normal subjects increase plasma Ang II from 4 to 20-22 pM with exercise, standing, or diuretic administration, and patients with severe congestive heart failure can have a plasma Ang II of approximately 25 pM at rest, we suggest that Ang II might facilitate NE release in severe congestive heart failure, especially under conditions of stress.

Adult

Saponin pre-treatment in pre-embedding electron microscopic in situ hybridization for detection of specific RNA sequences in cultured cells: a methodological study.

We describe a method for detection of specific RNA targets in cultured cells at the electron microscopic (EM) level using pre-embedding in situ hybridization (ISH). The specimens were monitored by reflection-contrast microscopy (RCM) before processing for EM. A good balance between preservation of ultrastructure and intensity of hybridization signals was obtained by using mild aldehyde fixation followed by saponin permeabilization. Digoxigenin-labeled probes were used for detection of human elongation factor (HEF) mRNA in HeLa cells, immediate early (IE) mRNA in rat 9G cells, and 28S rRNA in both cell lines. The hybrids were detected immunocytochemically by the peroxidase/diaminobenzidine (DAB) method or by ultra-small gold with silver enhancement. Comparison of these methods favored the peroxidase/DAB system. The accessibility of RNA in the different cell compartments was dependent on the extent of cross-linking during primary fixation even after permeabilization with saponin. By using the most optimal ISH protocol and the peroxidase/DAB system, we detected 28S rRNA over all ribosomes in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleoli, and IE mRNA in a large spot with many smaller spots around it in the nucleoplasm as well as in speckles over the cytoplasm. The sensitivity of the method is such that HEF housekeeping gene transcripts were detected in the cytoplasm.

Animals